Welcome to the Friends and family carers board. I am glad to hear that you have passed the viability assessment. Children services will now be carrying out stage 2 of the assessment.

Irene’s post covers all aspects of being a referee in detail and I do not have anything further to add. However, you may find our advice sheet about fostering assessments helpful. Please see page 8 about references.

Please see page 56 about SGO assessments in our advice sheet about special guardianship orders .
This advice sheet is also useful because it sets out how to ask assessment for support and what support might be available to help you look after the child. For example, you could be ask to be assessed for the means tested allowance, help with contact arrangements, and therapeutic support for you, the child and the parents. You may also be get help towards your legal fees.

Good luck with the rest of the assessment. Please post back if you have any questions.

ied53 wrote:Hi. Depends on the referee . eg Boss or Friend etc
ours were asked how long they had known us . In what capacity they know us . do they know our children. How do they feel we would cope with the SGO children. Are we the sort of people who would ask for help if needed. all quite general. They are trying to get an over view of you / both of you .